David Ortiz and the Boston Red Sox are unlikely to agree to a new contract by midnight tonight, according to The Boston Globe, meaning the free-agent DH will be free to sign with any team as soon as Saturday.

And FOXSports.com reports the Texas Rangers have emerged as a possible suitor for Ortiz, who could replace center fielder Josh Hamilton as a power-hitting, middle-of-the-lineup option. Hamilton also is a free agent, and the speculation is that the Rangers will allow him to sign elsewhere.

David Ortiz is an eight-time All-Star with 401 career home runs. (AP Photo)

According to FOXSports.com, the Red Sox remain the favorites to land Ortiz.

Ortiz, 36, has expressed a desire to re-sign with the Red Sox, for whom he has played since 2003, but the two sides reportedly aren’t close on a deal.

Limited to 90 games this season because of an Achilles’ tendon injury, Ortiz hit .318 with 23 homers, 60 RBIs, a .415 on-base percentage and a .611 slugging percentage.